OpenAI has announced its decision to end the Cursor contract following the platform’s acquisition by SpaceX. The company confirmed it notified SpaceX of its intent to wind down the agreement, with a proposed shutoff date of November 12, 2026.

According to OpenAI, the deadline reflects the maximum notice period allowed under the contract. As a result, developers using Cursor will retain access to OpenAI’s models for as long as possible before the transition takes effect.

OpenAI described the decision as difficult. However, the company stated it could not be confident that SpaceX would operate within its terms of service. This concern, OpenAI explained, stems from past experience with Elon Musk’s companies and previous contract violations.

Furthermore, OpenAI noted that large-scale partnerships typically require custom contracts. These agreements are meant to ensure compliance and safety at scale. Following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now part of SpaceX, the company reportedly broke the terms of its agreement with OpenAI, according to a 2023 New York Times report.

In addition, OpenAI pointed to sworn testimony earlier this year, in which Musk admitted that xAI, also now under SpaceX, had violated OpenAI’s terms of service. Those terms, OpenAI said, closely resemble xAI’s own policies.

Meanwhile, the Cursor contract includes a provision allowing cancellation within a limited window following any change of control. OpenAI also cited rising accountability standards tied to its upcoming model, Astra, as a factor influencing the decision. Consequently, the company chose to delay termination as long as possible while ruling out future model access for Cursor.

Despite the decision, OpenAI emphasized its respect for Cursor, highlighting nearly four years of collaboration. The company acknowledged that developers relying on OpenAI models within Cursor will be most affected by the change.

Ultimately, OpenAI stated it remains committed to supporting affected developers through the transition. As the Cursor contract winds down, the company said it will work to ease the shift for its developer community.

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